Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have arrested two women following the discovery of an alleged illegal fruit drink factory in Aradagun, Badagry area of Lagos State. The factory, located on Talabi Onilegbale Street, Aradagun, Olorunda Local Council Development Area, was uncovered on September 19, 2026,……
Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have arrested two women following the discovery of an alleged illegal fruit drink factory in Aradagun, Badagry area of Lagos State.
The factory, located on Talabi Onilegbale Street, Aradagun, Olorunda Local Council Development Area, was uncovered on September 19, 2026, at about 9:00 p.m., following intelligence received by the NSCDC.
The two suspects, aged 48 and 50, were arrested at the premises by operatives attached to the Badagry Divisional Headquarters.
The NSCDC alleged that the facility was not registered and was being used to produce a fruit drink branded Barkas Juice under Titi Alubarika Trading Stores Ltd.
The corps also alleged that the product carried a fake National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration number, 01-2166L.
According to The Guardian, a truck loaded with the drinks was found at the premises, apparently awaiting distribution.
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Cartons of the product and rolls of labels were also seen inside the bungalow where the drinks were allegedly produced. Part of the building was reportedly being used as a residence.
A dirty well and an unclean industrial storage tank were also found within the premises. The NSCDC said the well was being used as the source of water for the production process.
According to the corps, the operation followed five days of surveillance after intelligence was received about activities at the location.
The NSCDC further alleged that the products were being distributed to Edo State and other parts of the country.
Speaking on behalf of the Lagos State Commandant, Adedotun Keshinro, NSCDC spokesperson Oluwaseun Abolurin said the operation was conducted despite resistance from some youths in the community.
He said the corps strengthened its inter-agency collaboration, including bringing in the Nigerian Army, to prevent possible attacks during the operation.
Abolurin, however, said support from members of the community contributed to the success of the operation.
“We are here today at Alabi Aradagun, particularly in Onilegbale, in Badagry area of Lagos State. We are parading successfully suspects and exhibits in the illegal production, sale and distribution of adulterated and fake fruit juice, not only in Lagos markets but up to Edo State and other parts of Nigeria,” he said.
“Unfortunately, two female suspects were apprehended, linked to this production, sale and distribution. Their names are withheld, and they are between the ages of 48 and 50. They hire the services of juveniles, underage boys and girls, between the ages of 15 and 16,” he added.
The NSCDC spokesperson described the alleged production process as a public health concern and advised Nigerians to be cautious when purchasing unregistered fruit drinks.
Abolurin said the corps contacted NAFDAC to verify the registration details displayed on the product and was informed that the drink was not registered.
He also alleged that the product contained high levels of sugar, additives and dyes, although he did not provide laboratory findings to support the claims.
However, the primary suspect, Morenikeji Alawiye, told The Guardian that the factory was originally established by her grandmother and had operated for almost 20 years.
Alawiye acknowledged that the facility had previously been shut down but said she had been making efforts to regularise the business before her arrest.
She explained that the family initially produced bottled and sachet water before the business encountered difficulties.
According to her, she had contacted an uncle who works with NAFDAC to assist with the regularisation process.
Alawiye also claimed that an aunt had connected the business with a prospective customer in The Gambia who wanted the product manufactured for export.
